Eco-friendly, organic, natural and non-slip yoga mat

Latex Non-Slip Yoga Mat - Cork, Hemp or Burlap Surface

For doing yoga at the natural , minimum is perform your yoga postures on a base made of natural material , if possible organic . Des non-toxic materials, friendly to the environment and your health. Stability and comfort combined for a successful yoga session! Perfect grip on the ground by the premium eraser of latex , a grip safe and fluid provided by a surface anti perspiration . An ideal thickness of 5 mm which guarantees a cushioning protector of your articulations without being at the expense of the precious balance to feel in all asanas. Suitable for all yogis confirmed or beginners . Cork and rubber range, hemp, jute, microfiber suede, eco-pu.

yoga mat

Choosing your yoga mat

Why do we need a yoga mat?

The yoga practice has become very democratized and many choices of practices and philosophy are open to us. The Iyengar , the Ashtanga yoga , the power yoga , the vinyasa , the hot yoga , the Hatha Yoga or a gentle yoga like y restorative oga or the yin yoga who is more ready by working more on the stretching .

Purists would say there is no need for rugs to practice, and it is true, the yoga originally was practiced on unstable yoga mats, which are still relevant today.But if the yogis from time to time have received evolution technique and had today's technology available to them, can we imagine they refused yoga props allowing them to practice more serenely by being more stable in the already not easy realization of an asana ?

Styles of dynamic yoga like ashtanga or the vinyasa yoga are the most demanding mats anti-slip Practices that make a lot sweat , It is difficult to realize the exercise of the alignment of the yoga poses on a moving mat, or a slippery mat .

A non-slip mat is therefore one of the characteristics to look at before buying a rug .

Yoga mat - Comparator and Horizon 2020 Guide

There is a great choice when you type on the internet yoga mat brand or yoga mat purchase , boasting of being the best yoga mat . Mats in PVC, others in eco-responsible plastic or even in cork and rubber , c choose your rug in this multitude of materials, thicknesses , and formats is not always obvious.

Achamana has chosen to specialize in the segment of high-end organic yoga mats Comfort, safety and holistic designs in a "yoga spirit" to offer a very personalized and inspiring pre-square. A comfortable universe secured on a natural carpet, good cushioning to protect your joints and a soft touch so that your feet are in heaven. Patterns in velvety colors that diffuse energy mandalas, chakras in Sanskrit, mantra, mudra, chin mudra and Lotus, Om and Tibetan Aum. A natural, energizing universe, diffusing positive vibrations. Experience savasana or meditation with a yoga mat with spiritual or holistic pattern, one of our yoga mats flower of life yoga.

If you prefer a cheap yoga mat to be replaced often, you've come to the wrong place. If your search is an investment for a mat that will last and accompany you for a long time in your spiritual quest, connected to the values ​​of yoga and spirituality, then we share the same path and you will be delighted.

Although we only offer ecological yoga mats, we owe you an objective analysis of all the main possibilities existing on the market in order to help you make your choice according to your aspirations, your yoga level, your style, Iyengar, yoga nidra, Hatha yoga, Vinyasa, Kundalini yoga, Bikram? And so the asanas or kryas that you commit to performing

Whether you buy your yoga mat from Achamana or another online store, here are the essential qualities of a good yoga mat that you should consider to durable, comfortable and safe use.

  • Thickness
  • Adhesion
  • Matter
  • Weight
  • The format
  • The price

Thickness:

It ranges from 1mm to 15mm, but those over 6mm are to be considered exclusively for Pilates whose exercises are mainly done on the floor or as a gym mat. The gym mats that you can easily find at intersport, addidas or decathlon are much too thick and soft for doing yoga, they are reserved for a fitness exercise.

Obviously, the thicker the mat, the more it acts as a cushion for your knees and your spine which are ultra protected and the less you feel the hardness of the floor. Be careful though, a mat very thick will be very comfortable in lying positions but very unsettling in standing exercises, you have to find the right balance between cushioning and balance. A real yoga mat cannot and should not have the same softness as meditation cushions or even a yoga cushion.

According to the appreciation of many practitioners, 4 to 5mm is ideal to guarantee sufficient damping for your joints while preserving balance in the realization of your asana.

However, some yogics still find them too thick and prefer 3mm mats because the less the mat is thick the more balance is present. A 4 or 5 mm thick mat in a dense material allows you to move from a series of asanas to a phase of relaxation with the same ease. It has the advantage of being versatile and suitable for most types of yoga.

The foldable yoga mat is 1 to 2 mm. It is a modern yoga mat with a surface generally made of microfiber. A foldable mat that is very practical and very lightr which does not need carrying bags or carrying strap. You can carry it easily, without bags, on the metro, by bike or while travelling, and do yoga in Paris and anywhere without constraints. A travel yoga mat that can be used as a on mat at the yoga studio, it will be more stable than a towel and even make students and your yoga teacher envy with its shimmering color, its very beautiful prints and its lightness.

Good grip:

The more the mat is non-slip, the happier the yogi is with his yoga session. A small downside, too much is the enemy of good, yoga mats made of 100% natural rubber, including the work surface, tend to be a little too much.Hyper sticky it blocks the fluidity of the asana sequences and, at best, does not sufficiently work the muscles that the postures seek to solicit at worst, can cause dislocations knee or elbow. You need a non-slip yoga mat but not super sticky.

The format:

The usual format is 60 cm wide and 1.70 m long. The rule is simple you must be able to do the eagle pose "Garudasana" as comfortably as you can do Savasana "corpse pose”. Although a little more expensive and depending on your build, you can increase your well-being with a large yoga mat which will allow you to have a larger space and delimit your practice in a studio of yoga crowded. This allows you to concentrate better and to be more secure vis-à-vis the imbalances of others. A millimeter thicker and a few centimeters wider may sound ridiculous, but believe me, it can change your experience of a yoga session completely.

Material:

The breath is a vital part of any yoga practice. Unfortunately, this action and the way we practice in general can do our bodies more harm than good. conventional and popular yoga mats are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Our advice is absolutely against him, we will develop our reasons a little further.

In a yoga spirit, of uniqueness to oneself and to the universe, a organic and noble yoga mat is a wise choice but it depends on your passion for the practice and your budget, you You can also opt for an eco yoga mat such as the TPE or the PER which will accompany your practice until the next inevitable step: the mat of ecological or organic yoga.

If we are talking about materials, we must consider the seven basic principles: density, comfort, stability, durability, grip, softness, and damped.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, you will have a complete guide on this a little later.

The weight:

The less the yoga mat weighs, the easier it is to transport. Yoga mats range from 0.9 kg to 3.9 kg. The heaviest are rugs made of natural materials, especially rugs made of natural materials. It's up to you to prioritize and assess the real impact of the weight of an organic yoga mat compared to a lighter mat made with other components more or less controversial.

The price:

This is where misunderstandings arise. You have all the prices and all the qualities from 15 euros on discount platforms to 250 euros for carpets a little less prestigious than their brands. A good TPE mat is generally between 45 and 80 euro and an ecological yoga mat between 60 and 140 euro depending on the materials, the format, the thickness, the designs and the brand awareness.

Our tips for getting started: To start doing yoga, it is better not to buy a mat right away. As a general rule, all yoga studios provide you with either free or rental basic yoga mats. Make sure it's not PVC, and start your initiation like that.(In this exceptional Covid period, it is obvious that this option is no longer valid) Once you feel that you are bitten s, so buy your own yoga mat as soon as possible, you can invest right away in an organic yoga mat or first go through an eco-responsible solution like the TPE which has a reasonable price and acceptable terms of harmfulness and performance

A brand new range manufactured using a new 3-ply thermo-bonded process has just been born and gives very good performance (TPE on the floor, rubber intermediate layer and microfiber covering)

The different formats

Several sizes are offered by yoga mat brands, your choice should take into account your height and weight. If your size is rather large, you should orient yourself towards a large format mat, the heavier you weigh, the more you will need a thick but dense mattress.

  • The standard format:
      1. Thickness: 3 or 4 mm
      2. Width: 61cm
      3. Length: 1.71m
  • The classic large format:
  1. Thickness: 4 mm
  2. Width: 61cm
  3. Length: 1.80 or 1.83 m
  • The large XL format:
  1. Thickness: 5mm
  2. Width: 68cm
  3. Length: 1.83m
  • XXL size:
  1. Thickness: 4 or 5 mm
  2. Width: 68cm
  3. Length: 2.15m

Of course the price will differ depending on the format and materials used.

The foldable travel yoga mat, an extra thin and light mat

The foldable yoga mat is a topper or travel mat. This is a special case, we are very close to the traditional yoga mat in its thickness of 1 to 2mm and the sizes follow the criteria of traditional mats. It's a yoga towel combined with the stability of a thin, dense rubber. It is suitable for nomadic yoga, in the great outdoors, while traveling or on the mat at the yoga studio.

The different materials available

There is a huge variety on the market that all differ in quality, performance and eco-accreditation.

PVC or vinyl

Advantages of PVC Mats

Inexpensive, the PVC mat has made its way among the gym mats. Most yoga beginners opt for a PVC mat. They are far cheaper than natural carpets. You can get a PVC yoga mat with its bag from 25 euros. They are usually available in many different colors or printed with beautiful patterns

The yoga floor mat made of PVC is relatively resistant, flexible and easy to clean, and for the most part machine washable. machine.

It is a mat in the category lightweight yoga mat.

Known disadvantages of PVC yoga mat

However, we advise even yoga beginners not to practice on these mats. Add a few euros and you will have at least one PTE yoga mat which remains, in any case, more ecological and respectful of your health.

Why go to all the trouble to avoid PVC (vinyl) plastic?

Lead, Phthalates, VOCs, Dioxins, well-established carcinogenic chemicals and endocrine disruptors that wreak havoc on our bodies

Flexible vinyl is the most problematic, even more toxic due to stabilizers (like lead and other heavy metals), plasticizers (like phthalates) needed to make it more flexible.

Lead is often added to vinyl products as a stabilizer to extend their life. It is estimated that 45,000 tonnes of lead are released into the environment each year during disposal by incineration.

Phthalate-free PVC cannot be called "safe plastic" due to other harmful chemicals often used in production.

Depending on the manufacturing methods, it may still contain dioxin (a known carcinogen), volatile organic compounds, lead, cadmium and other heavy metals.

Heat and humidity can increase the volatility of these chemicals.

In conclusion: Heat and humidity are common (and even expected) in yoga class, if you use a PVC mat, the conditions are conducive to the release of toxic compounds. Lovers of hot yoga, I invite you first to take another solution for your well-being and that of others.

EVA, the preferred harmful material for the gym or pilates

Advantages: Cheap yoga mat

Disadvantages: Ethylene vinyl acetate makes up the EVA yoga mat. It is a synthetic material that is both lightweight and resistant to cracking. EVA yoga mats are moisture resistant and easy to clean after your session. They tend to stretch a bit as you train.

It is undeniable that EVA, which is absolutely not rubber, still contains chemicals. Widely used in the flip-flop industry, EVA is also used for floor mats, sport mats which unfortunately are commonplace in a gym, Pilate or gym. These carpets are soft and malleable when first used, but very quickly they become brittle and shapeless.

We place them at the same level of toxicity as the PVC yoga mat, less durability and performance.

The ethic of yoga is not to harm yourself or others. It seems inconceivable to us to want to work your chakras on a material that cannot be recycled and far from being non-toxic. Non-renewable and non-recyclable materials, which use limited resources to end up in the ocean or in landfills. Starting yoga under these conditions is, in our humble opinion, not desirable.

TPE - thermoplastic elastomer

Advantages of TPE mats

TPE mats are much more environmentally friendly than PVC mats, with a supposedly neutral harmfulness. They are considered eco friendly.

Lightweight: TPE foam mats have the advantage of being very light. This makes them ideal for carrying them, bag on the shoulder, effortlessly to the yoga studio or for a fitness session.

Anti-slip: They are more anti-slip on the floor side than PVC ones. Although they are not as sticky as natural rubber mats, they still have a much better grip than PVC mats.

Inexpensive, they are, in terms of quality, between PVC mats and those made of natural components You can buy them in a price range between 45 and 75 euro depending on the thickness , design, texture/feel and notoriety of the yoga mat brand. The baya brand has made a name for itself in this market segment, but they are drifting towards PVC mats which cost less to manufacture.

Idisadvantages of TPE mats:

"TPE" thermoplastic elastomers are sold as an ecological alternative to PVC and marketed under the label "safe" or "safer" or even "green". The new fashionable yoga material is mainly made with this material, all props, mat, bag, brick, yoga wheel. It's a more stable compound that's made with closed-cell technology (so sweat, germs, and microbes don't get in), but it's too new to say how it interacts with our body. Although TPE is free of bisphenol-A (BPA), PVC, lead, phthalates and dioxins, its long-term safety still raises questions and concerns.

Closed cell materials means, in practice, that perspiration is not absorbed by the mat. The mat is therefore slippery by nature, although some can provide good grip with a very textured and rough feel. Small pimples which give a very unpleasant feeling for some yogis, but acceptable for others.

They are relatively fragile for long-term use. The foam-like countertop quickly leads to abrasion and visible marks. They are also much more difficult to clean

Rigid material: Unlike PVC or natural rubber, TPE is brittle and has trouble lying flat once unrolled. A TPE mat will tend to curl up at both ends in the direction it was rolled.

In conclusion, a yoga mat that is well suited for beginners, to start yoga, or people who practice yoga from time to time. Non-toxic yoga mat, it remains eco-responsible since recyclable, but less durable and textured for sufficient grip.

Why an ecological yoga mat if possible organic?

Practice in the principles of yoga. Act for oneself and others with the same benevolence. And then it's still more relax to do the downward facing dog pose "adho-muckha-svanâsana" or the posture of the grasshopper "Salabhasana" on a support where you can relax the position while recharging your batteries through the contact of a soft and natural touch.

Practice pranayama, devangari corresponding to ajna, fourth limb out of the eight of the yoga sutra of Patañjali. The discipline of the breath is real healing.

Inhale and the Prana brings in the energy by blowing on the flame. Exhale "apana" and the breath burns by evacuating toxins, thus facilitating the circulation of Kundalini which opens to the awakening of full consciousness.

Is it possible to practice pranayama in the midst of "VOC" of dioxide and other flying micro particles of heavy metals?

Be wary of "Safe PVC", "ecological PVC" greenwashing. Eco-friendly PVC does not exist, as many online shops unfortunately suggest, if a yoga site offers them, run away.

eco yoga mats are designed to minimize their socio-environmental impact A strong commitment to a yoga mat designed with low-impact materials that does not create unnecessary waste during production and after use . They are generally biodegradable or recyclable and made from sustainable materials.

Although at this level the choice becomes much more limited There are a variety of different organic or eco responsible yoga mats on the market which differ in their combinations natural materials, or not, in quality, performance and eco-accreditation.

Cotton, hemp and jute yoga mat

Mats are not sticky but provide natural soft textured surfaces.

Each of these fabrics are eco-friendly alternatives for your yoga practice. They are of vegetable origin, therefore biodegradable and renewable. The cotton yoga mat was the traditional mat in Mysore/Ashtanga practice, and it still is today.

However, due to their plant origin, their Ayurvedic identities, they are bound to be less durable than PVC. Burlap is the strongest of the three. Hemp, being a dense and more elastic fiber takes second place.

Yoga mats are usually very thin, there is no cushioning to expect. The grip on the ground is almost non-existent. They are perfect for purists. Perfect for taking an online yoga class on the carpet of your living room. You can also opt for a wool or woven fabric

rug for the same uses.

Advantages: ecological, easy to clean

Disadvantages: less durable, less comfortable

Natural rubber yoga mat - Latex yoga mat

Advantages of the natural rubber mat: Very non-slip and ecological

A natural rubber yoga mat is simply incredibly non-slip. No more worry about slipping in certain positions and better concentration on the essentials : alignment and breathing. Anyone who's gone from PVC to rubber can't go back.

The tnatural rubber mats are made of a harvested, renewable and biodegradable material. From then on, this opens the way for a practice of yoga in full consciousness. It has damping properties far superior to those of a TPE.

Disadvantages of natural rubber mats

Probably the most important “against” argument is their prices: natural rubber mats are relatively expensive compared to other mats. For a real natural eraser you have to count 60 to 120 euro. However, if you've been practicing yoga for a while and are looking for a mat with great slip resistance, or are interested in durability, this will be an absolutely reasonable investment.

Disadvantages of 100% natural rubber:

They are relatively fragile. It is a natural material that has open pores that can let in dirt particles, bacteria and germs. That's why these rugs need a little more love than others in their maintenance.

You will need to clean and disinfect them regularly.A white cloth with a solution of white vinegar water and a few drops of antiseptic essential oils is more than enough

They weigh a lot more than their plastic relatives. If you often take your mat with you to the yoga studio, it is advisable to have a yoga mat bag or at least carry straps so that it is easy to transport.

Extremely non-slip , your hands and feet stick firmly. Although this is one of the qualitative points sought, in terms of safety and balance, a very sticky matcan slow down, even block, the chain fluid of asanas.

Even though many manufacturers advertise an anti-allergy slogan to latex, if you are sensitive to it, it is better to avoid it. In this case, you can take advantage of its properties without being in direct contact with the rubber by opting for a combi rubber mat.

Cork yoga mat

Cork is ecological, elegant, sober and practical

It is a call back to nature while respecting the yoga practice. Practicing on a cork yoga mat isolates you in a yoga studio and places you in the energy of nature.

It's not only aesthetic, it's also practical. It's a perfect material for all climates and all yoga styles and spaces, it's non-slip, durable and has excellent cushioning to help you to feel safe and supported during your practice.

Its natural waxy substance that does not absorb water and improves grip when wet. The more you sweat, the better! Perfect for hot yoga class and Bikram yoga sessions!

Harvested from the regenerating bark of cork oaks which are not felled for harvesting and will continue to live and produce for decades. It is a first-rate ecological ally. During the regrowth of the bark, this tree absorbs three times as much carbon dioxide ! Cork oak forests have a very high rate of biodiversity.

The cork yoga mats are 100% plant-based and are considered vegan and Ayurvedic.

You can't avoid burying your nose in a yoga mat in most yoga classes, so it's nice to have a self-cleaning organic yoga mat! Its natural antimicrobial qualities eliminate bacteria, providing a fresh, clean and hygienic carpet. Hypoallergenic, it repels dust, mold and small particles.

It is anti-static, water-resistant and elastic, it absorbs shock on impact and recovers its shape quickly. You can press the heel well in a posture without risk of deformation. Its texture gives better grip when wet. Do not hesitate to spray water moderately with a spray at the beginning of the yoga session, for dry hands.

These mats do not need Oeko tex certification, they are 100% natural, fully biodegradable and come from a sustainable source, mainly Portugal. This premium material combined with a natural rubber base results in a anti-slip mat and one of the best eco-conscious choices.

Hemp canvas yoga mat

The texture of a hemp practice area for yoga practice is second to none! hemp is textured, it naturally offers a good grip It has antimicrobial properties and, thanks to the woven fabric it ensures the air circulation by preventing perspiration from soaking in.

Hemp Yoga Mats are durable because Hemp is woven, the fibers are dense and tight. They have great elasticity while having great tensile strength. The hemp fabric reinforces the good hold of the natural rubber. Being hypoallergenic, it considerably reduces the risk of allergy.

Light in colour, therefore messy, it is not machine washable. No special cleaner needed. How to clean it? it is very easy to clean with an organic cleaning spray or with a homemade solution of water, white vinegar and essential oil of Tea Tree. Always use a white cloth. Leave to dry for a few minutes and your carpet is clean, ready to use.

For practitioners of Ashtanga yoga, practicing yoga on this mat is a treat. The base grips the floor, it is non-slip on the floor and the coating offers a natural, soft and resistant texture for a good grip and a very good grip. It has good abrasion resistance and is very durable.

Hemp is antibacterial, UV resistant and naturally mildew resistant.

Hemp is a fast-growing, highly renewable resource that puts little strain on the soil in which it is grown. Hemp is naturally resistant to pests, so no pesticides are needed and needs very little water to grow and thrive.

Hemp proponents claim it removes more carbon dioxide per hectare than most plants.

Burlap yoga mat

Like hemp yoga mats, they offer the perfect balance of comfort, style and performance. Jute fibers reinforce the rubbery structure providing better strength and durability. Burlap also has very good breathability and high tensile strength. Eco-friendly yoga mat of high quality, with a natural surface with natural anti-slip properties.

The natural gum and jute combination helps it stand out from the crowd with its distinctive look and earthy feel.

Better known than hemp, it is considered one of the most ecological mats by many yoga magazines. Jute fibers, most commonly found in Southeast Asia, are biodegradablematerials. The cultivation of jute like hemp has a positive impact on the environment. It grows quickly in hostile soils and consumes just as much carbon dioxide.

Guaranteed non-slip on the floor by its sticky base, its coating non-slip is a mixture of rubber natural is jute so as to retain the natural non-slip texture of the raw jute while eliminating its unpleasant roughness .Whether you practice yoga at home or in a yoga studio, you do not perform in sandals or even in socks this kind of mat,acupressure is kept in soft touch.

Yoga mat brand

The decathlon or addidas yoga mats are establishing themselves as a yoga mat brand for PVC mats, intersport, go sport and baya yoga mats specialize in PER / TPE materials, and other shops like Tayrona distribute brands of eco responsible yoga mat. The liforme brand offers 100% natural rubber. Achamana tyoga mats are eco-friendly, eco-responsible,organic, durable and professional. They offer a holistic design to create an inspiring and spiritual universe.

Natural yoga mat - Achamana

Achamana has clearly turned to this kind of organic yoga mat, but we are not perfect.

The only controversy with this type of pro yoga mat is the carbon impact. Only China has the tools and expertise to manufacture combi natural rubber mats.

It is for this reason that Achamana, not finding European suppliers, in an ethical coherence, contributes to the program 1% for the planet, donation organization for environmental associations. The Jute yoga mat is made in the United Kingdom.

We are constantly looking for a reliable, less carbon consuming alternative, but so far we have not found it. Even if great trust has been established with our suppliers, we ensure quality controls, production conditions and material analyzes by the international certification body SGS. The final product is certified.

Hoping that this guide and comparison of the different options will help you determine the value for money price to choose your yoga mat that you will roll out with joy at each session . You will have additional information with a yoga journal article if you wish. Whether for a yoga at home, in zen mode or at the yoga centre in group lessons, having your own mat is a bit like the secret garden of your soul, a long-term companion on your spiritual journey, a yoga mat connected to your inner self. A close friend who accompanies you with as much benevolence in a meditation as in a dynamic vinyasa.

Joys and Light - Good practice!

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A Propos

© 2017 Achamana

Réalisé par Achamana - tous droits réservés

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